Suakin Archipelago National Park

National Park Red Sea archipelago protecting coral reefs and historic ruins

Off Sudan’s Red Sea coast, Suakin Archipelago National Park contains coral reefs, small islands and the ruined Ottoman port of Suakin; visitors go for diving, boat trips and visits to historical ruins.

Suakin Archipelago National Park comprises a cluster of islands and surrounding coral reefs off the Red Sea coast of Sudan near the historic port of Suakin. The archipelago conserves marine and island ecosystems, including coral formations and bird nesting sites.

The area is notable for reef biodiversity, traditional fisheries and the proximity to the mainland historic harbour of Suakin. Conservation aims focus on protecting habitats while acknowledging local fishing and coastal use.

Historically the adjacent town of Suakin was an important medieval Red Sea port; the archipelago has long been part of the maritime landscape supporting navigation and coastal communities. Contemporary management centers on marine conservation and sustainable resource use.

The archipelago lies off Sudan’s Red Sea State, east of the Nile valley, and is accessible by boat from coastal towns.

  • Archipelago composition: Contains multiple islands and reefs off the Sudanese Red Sea coast near the historic port town of Suakin, representing coastal and marine habitats of regional importance.
Suakin Archipelago National Park
Suakin Archipelago National Park, Red Sea State, Sudan (off the Red Sea coast)
18.7386, 38.4882

How to Get to Suakin Archipelago National Park #

The Suakin Archipelago is accessed by sea from the town/old port of Suakin (Sawakin) or from Port Sudan. Travelers drive or take road transport to Suakin and then transfer to small boats or charters for short crossings to the islands; arrangements and permits are normally handled by local boat operators or tour organisers.

Tips for Visiting Suakin Archipelago National Park #

  • Access to the Suakin Archipelago is by boat from Suakin or Port Sudan; plan visits in the drier season (roughly October-April) for safer sea travel and clearer snorkeling conditions.
  • Because the islands and their ruins are fragile and remote, use licensed local operators and guides who can obtain necessary permissions and show you the permitted landing sites and snorkeling areas.
  • Combine a marine trip with a short visit to the historic Suakin town on the mainland if your operator offers it, but stick to guided routes-the archaeological structures on the islands are delicate and often restricted to protect them.

Best Time to Visit Suakin Archipelago National Park #

Visit between October and April for the most favorable sea conditions and diving visibility.

Best visiting/diving months
October - April · sea ~23°C to 28°C
Calmer seas and more comfortable air temperatures make this the preferred period for boat access and snorkeling/diving.
Hotter, windier months
May - September · sea ~26°C to 32°C
Higher air and water temperatures and occasional strong winds can make access and marine activities less comfortable.

Weather & Climate near Suakin Archipelago National Park #

Climate

Tropical climate with very hot summers (peaking in August) and warm winters (coldest in February). Temperatures range from 21°C to 38°C. Very dry conditions with minimal rainfall with a pronounced dry season.

Air Quality: AQI 117 Unhealthy (Sg)
Best Time to Visit
AprilMarchFebruary
Temperature & Rainfall
Temperature Range
36°
Warmest Month
23°
Coldest Month
Monthly Conditions

January

January is mild with highs of 26°C and lows of 22°C. Light rainfall and partly cloudy skies.

86 Excellent

Comfort

24°
Feels Like Mild
24°C
Temperature
22° 26°
75%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

24 mm
Rainfall
4.5 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
1.3
UV Index
High
11.0h daylight

February

February is mild with highs of 26°C and lows of 21°C. Almost no rain and partly cloudy skies.

92 Ideal

Comfort

24°
Feels Like Mild
24°C
Temperature
21° 26°
77%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

9 mm
Rainfall
4.7 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
1.6
UV Index
Very High
11.4h daylight

March

March is warm with highs of 27°C and lows of 22°C. Almost no rain.

94 Ideal

Comfort

25°
Feels Like Warm
25°C
Temperature
23° 27°
78%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

3 mm
Rainfall
3.6 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
2.1
UV Index
Extreme
11.9h daylight

April

April is warm with muggy conditions (dew point 24°C). Almost no rain and mostly sunny skies.

96 Ideal

Comfort

27°
Feels Like Warm
27°C
Temperature
24° 29°
80%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

3 mm
Rainfall
3.3 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
2.4
UV Index
Extreme
12.4h daylight

May

May is hot, feeling like 34°C due to high humidity. Almost no rain and mostly sunny skies.

86 Excellent

Comfort

34°
Feels Like Hot
29°C
Temperature
26° 32°
78%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

3 mm
Rainfall
3.1 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
2.4
UV Index
Extreme
12.9h daylight

June

June is hot, feeling like 42°C due to high humidity. The driest month with just 1 mm.

76 Very Good

Comfort

43°
Feels Like Hot
32°C
Temperature
28° 36°
75%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

1 mm
Rainfall
3.2 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
2.2
UV Index
Extreme
13.1h daylight

July

July is hot, feeling like 48°C due to high humidity. Almost no rain and partly cloudy skies.

72 Very Good

Comfort

48°
Feels Like Hot
34°C
Temperature
30° 39°
70%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

3 mm
Rainfall
3.9 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
2.1
UV Index
Extreme
13.0h daylight

August

August is the hottest month, feeling like 48°C due to high humidity. Almost no rain and partly cloudy skies.

72 Very Good

Comfort

48°
Feels Like Hot
34°C
Temperature
30° 38°
71%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

4 mm
Rainfall
3.6 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
2.2
UV Index
Extreme
12.6h daylight

September

September is hot, feeling like 42°C due to high humidity. The driest month with just 1 mm.

84 Excellent

Comfort

42°
Feels Like Hot
32°C
Temperature
29° 35°
76%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

1 mm
Rainfall
3.1 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
2.0
UV Index
Extreme
12.1h daylight

October

October is hot, feeling like 35°C due to high humidity. Almost no rain and mostly sunny skies.

86 Excellent

Comfort

35°
Feels Like Hot
30°C
Temperature
27° 33°
73%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

8 mm
Rainfall
3.0 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
1.8
UV Index
Very High
11.6h daylight

November

November is hot, feeling like 30°C due to high humidity. The wettest month with 36 mm of rain and mostly sunny skies.

92 Ideal

Comfort

30°
Feels Like Hot
28°C
Temperature
25° 31°
72%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

36 mm
Rainfall
3.5 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
1.4
UV Index
High
11.2h daylight

December

December is warm with muggy conditions (dew point 22°C). Moderate rainfall (34 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

88 Excellent

Comfort

25°
Feels Like Warm
25°C
Temperature
23° 28°
74%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

34 mm
Rainfall
4.2 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
1.2
UV Index
High
10.9h daylight

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